| Highfather | |
|---|---|
.png) Highfather as depicted inWho's Who in the DC Universe #10 (December 1985). Art byJack Kirby andMike Royer. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | TheNew Gods #1 (February/March 1971) |
| Created by | Jack Kirby |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Izaya the Inheritor |
| Species | New God |
| Place of origin | New Genesis |
| Team affiliations | New Gods |
| Notable aliases | The All-Father Lightseid God of Good Master of Light Light God Ixaya |
| Abilities |
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Highfather (Izaya) is a fictional character appearing inAmerican comic books published byDC Comics. An integral part ofJack Kirby'sFourth World mythos, Highfather is aNew God, the leader of the planetNew Genesis, and the good counterpart ofDarkseid.[1][2]
Highfather has been adapted into various media outside comics, primarily in association with the New Gods.Mitchell Ryan,Mark Rolston, andRichard Chamberlain have voiced the character in animation.
Highfather was created byJack Kirby and first appeared inThe New Gods #1 (March 1971).[3]
The character played a significant role inThe Great Darkness Saga, a 1982Legion of Super-Heroes storyline. In the story, he is reborn in the 31st century and helps the Legion battle Darkseid.[4]
Izaya is a warrior and the leader of New Genesis. AfterSteppenwolf murders his wife Avia, Izaya participates in the war againstApokolips before enacting a peace treaty with them. To this end, he trades his son Scott Free to Apokolips and adopts Darkseid's sonOrion.[5][6] Scott later escapes Apokolips, breaking the treaty.
Highfather often consults theSource when making his decisions. Though never stated explicitly in theNew Gods series, the Source is implied to be a higher power (perhaps even God), making Izaya a spiritual as well as the political leader of his people. As ruler of New Genesis, he is kind, compassionate, and caring but ready to defend it from any threat.
InGenesis, Highfather is killed in battle withAres and succeeded byTakion.[7] His spirit joins the Quintessence, a council of cosmic entities.
InThe New 52 continuity reboot, Izaya is resurrected and depicted as the founder of New Genesis. As part of The New 52 updates to characters, Highfather's backstory was changed to say that he and Darkseid were brothers who united to overthrow their fatherYuga Khan, Kind of the Old Gods, who became sworn enemies when Darkseid killed Highfather's wife.[8] Highfather is depicted as a morally ambiguous wartime leader rather than an embodiment of good.Infinity Man, previously depicted as Darkseid's all-benevolent brother from New Genesis, is explained to the embodiment of Highfather's conscience.[1][9]
InNew Gods (vol. 5), Highfather is anxious over a prophecy fromMetron about a child who will either bring peace, or war to New Genesis. He sends Orion to kill said child to prevent the prophecy from coming to pass.
As a New God, Highfather is nigh-immortal and possesses superhuman physical abilities. He can channel the Source via his staff and once wielded theLife Equation, which enabled him to manipulate reality.
An alternate universe variant of Highfather appears inJLA: The Nail.
An alternate universe variant of Highfather appears inJustice League: Gods and Monsters, voiced byRichard Chamberlain.[10] This version wedBekka to Orion to bring Apokolips and New Genesis together, subsequently betraying Darkseid and killing him and his elite, including Orion. This action causes Bekka to leave for Earth.
Highfather appears as a character summon inScribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.[11]
Highfather appears in theInjustice: Gods Among Us prequel comic.
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